The first goal of this project was to develop a curriculum outlining applicable discipleship methods for churches to utilize in engaging Millennials. To accomplish this goal, significant review of the literature was conducted on the Millennial generation itself, the findings of which were presented in chapter 3 of this project. This research
included reading numerous books and articles focused on demographic trends, prevailing beliefs, attitudes, and opinions amongst Millennials on various matters of faith and culture. Furthermore, I initiated several disciple-making relationships with young adults within the Millennial age range who were involved in some capacity in the ministry of Prestonwood Baptist Church (which is a congregation affiliated with the SBTC).
Observations from the interactions of these relationships confirmed the findings of the researched Millennial data, specifically regarding the significance of cultural pressure points in the lives of Millennials in regard to family, faith, and finances.3
Second, to reinforce the credibility of the theological arguments of the project,4 I began teaching two different small groups of older adults at Prestonwood Baptist Church beginning in the summer of 2016, as well as teaching Millennials in various contexts at Prestonwood beginning that same year. The older groups consisted of highly committed members, most of whom were over the age of 55, and many of whom had been committed Christians for several years. In the course of teaching these groups, the topic of
intergenerational discipleship was broached consistently (including biblical exegesis on key passages such as Titus 2 and Phil 3), including at one point a multi-week study on the book of Titus. The teaching of Millennials took place in numerous one-time teaching assignments in various small groups in the Young Singles ministry of Prestonwood Baptist Church, as a regular speaker for the “Before You Say I Do” premarital class (the majority of which was attended by couples in the Millennial age range), serving as the lead
communicator for the Prestonwood Young Singles retreat in the winter of 2019, and conducting marriage retreats for mostly young couples in the Millennial age range from North Richland Hills Baptist Church (another Texas congregation affiliated with the SBTC).
3 See chap. 3 of this project.
4 See chap. 2 of this project.
Third, I appeared as a guest speaker/communicator/lecturer in several public venues to share about the cultural and faith-centered distinctives of Millennials and the importance of intergenerational disciple-making relationships in the church, all of which required in-depth research and preparation.5 Often, these venues included sharing personal stories of my experiences discipling Millennials as well as answering questions from participants, the majority of whom were older and wanted to better understand the
distinctives of Millennials. These cumulative experiences were formative in giving shape to the framework for the curriculum developed for this project.
Utilizing the above elements, the curriculum for this project was developed and prepared to be shared for SBTC church leaders who would be participating in the one-day digital environment.6 The curriculum was sub-divided into four sessions that would be shared cumulatively and included content covering the biblical basis for
intergenerational discipleship, an overview of the generational distinctives of Millennials, an examination of the benefits of a vibrant small group ministry, and an outline of
intentional processes that can be integrated into existing small groups structures to help churches initiate intergenerational disciple-making relationships.
Prior to presenting the curriculum to participating church leaders in the one- day digital environment, the curriculum was submitted to an expert panel and appropriately critiqued utilizing a rubric to evaluate the curriculum according to biblical faithfulness, teaching methodology, scope, and applicability of the curriculum.7 The expert panel consisted of one ministry staff team member from the SBTC, two discipleship pastors
5 These appearances included a seminar on the distinctives of Millennials for more than fifty volunteers for the Prestonwood Pregnancy Center in September 2018; appearing on the nationally syndicated
“Family Talk” radio program hosted by James Dobson discussing the distinctives of Millennials in July 2019;
co-leading an equipping seminar with leaders from the Southern Baptist Metro leadership group on the distinctives of Millennials in December 2019; training the Kidz Ministry Staff of Prestonwood Baptist Church on the importance of intergenerational influence in February 2020; co-leading a training seminar for the ministry staff of First Baptist Wichita Falls on the distinctives of Millennials in February 2020.
6 Further details provided in the goal 3 section of this chap.
7 See appendix 1.
actively serving in an affiliating SBTC church, one senior pastor serving in an affiliated SBTC church, and one seminary professor actively on staff at an SBC seminary. Using the rubric of evaluation provided, the expert panel determined that the curriculum met or exceeded the sufficient level to be shared with the participants in the one-day digital environment with 100 percent agreement.8 For example, responding to the criteria “the curriculum is clearly relevant to the issue of intergenerational disciple-making in a local church,” Lance Crowell commented, “Jonathan does a great job of looking at so many of the trends and aspects that are influencing the millennial generation.” Responding to the criteria “the curriculum contains points of practical application,” Zac Hufty noted, “Great application for local churches no matter the size or context.” Finally, commenting on the criteria, “the points of the curriculum clearly support the thesis,” and, “the curriculum contains points of practical application,” Scott Maze affirmed, “Yes, it opened my eyes to understand issues around Millennials and possible discipleship opportunities,” and, “I think the material is not only practical but it sparks a lot of conversations.” The first goal of this project was successfully met.
Goal 2: Assess Current